Franchisee Testimonials and Case Studies
Color Glo International Franchisees have a long history of success, both as small business owners and those that have expanded to include several employees. There are many facets to the leather, vinyl, and plastic repair industry.
Section 9: Unlocking Success with a Color Glo International Franchise: Your Comprehensive Guide
Color Glo International Franchisees have a long history of success, both as small business owners and those that have expanded to include several employees. Some franchisees diversify, working with residential clients, car dealerships, marinas, and airlines. Some find a niche making their living servicing just a few large clients. There are many facets to the leather, vinyl, and plastic repair industry.
As many applications as there are for these materials, there is an opportunity to grow your business.
There are Color Glo technicians with less than a year’s worth of experience and some with 30-plus years.
Here are some testimonials.
Dennis Stachowski - North Metro Twin Cities
Dennis Stachowski bought his Color Glo Franchise in 2002. He became interested in the leather and vinyl restoration franchise after seeing it as an offering in a magazine. He carefully investigated the opportunity and decided to give it a chance.
Dennis had the usual struggles that go with any new business. He built his clientele primarily through cold calls to car dealerships and word of mouth. He made sure to do the best work that he could. Referrals have been the main source of new business since then. He had difficulty with hot cures and matching colors. Just like any skill, it takes time and practice. Having a good mentor doesn’t hurt either. Dennis credits Bill Sachse and Matt Smith with helping him. Dennis also recalled the “good old days” before “WhatsApp” he said you could go on the back end of the website forum and ask a question. Then you would hope someone would see it promptly. WhatsApp is much better for questions in the field, it’s almost real-time.
There are many opportunities for continuing education in the Color Glo Franchise. Dennis mentioned learning from franchisees who are established. He values the time spent at seminars. There you can learn how others approach repairs. Having different methods for the same type of repair puts more tools in your box. “That’s why there is more than one kind of screwdriver.” according to Dennis.
Always do your best. Don’t sell yourself short. If you aren’t sure how to approach a repair, give yourself some time to think about it. Then work it through. Don’t say you can’t do it and don’t promise perfection.
Dennis stays very busy. He hasn’t had employees; however, he has had a couple of independent contractors work with him. This is another approach to expanding your Color Glo business.
Dave DeBuhr - Iowa
My friend, Dave DeBuhr, has owned a Color Glo Franchise servicing Blackhawk and Buchanon Counties in Iowa for so long he couldn’t remember when he started. He said, “about 30 years ago.” Well Dave, according to our records your anniversary is 31 years in May of this year. Congratulations!
Dave was selling kit cars when he came across the ad in the paper for a Color Glo Franchise. He thought it looked interesting, maybe a good hobby or side hustle. So, he called the number. He liked the people, namely Gary and Scott Smith. He liked the work, he figured he could do that. So, he got started.
Dave built his business through word of mouth, excellence in craftsmanship, and integrity. He spoke of honest communication with clients. Being sure they knew exactly what to expect.
Dave is a personable man who loves his family, he likes to be independent, and he is a craftsman. Dave went through the initial training, and then he took all that to the next level. He spent the last 30 years enjoying his work. He has enjoyed the kind of success that enabled him to provide handsomely for his family. He never expanded his business to include employees. He did, however, train his son, Nick. Now Nick is taking over his father’s business and Dave is in charge of carting around grandkids.
Dave made it clear that this is not something you can learn by reading a book. He feels strongly that spending time as an apprentice is the way to learn. He enjoys the family that is Color Glo International. He speaks of the comradery, solving difficult repair problems over the phone with others. He speaks fondly of his relationship with Gary Smith, and the Smith family. He said more than once, they are family. They will help you in any way they can. It’s so true.
Jenni Vaught - Southeast Wisconsin
Jenni Vaught’s journey to Color Glo is interesting. She purchased her franchise in 2021. The country was getting back on its feet in the wake of Covid-19. She had been looking at buying a franchise of some sort, but she hadn’t decided what industry she was most interested in. Jenni was living in Nashville at the time, so she chose to move back home to Milwaukee.
After consulting with a franchise broker, she settled on Color Glo. The clincher was that the finance consultant said he knew Gary. He counseled that she really should take a close look at Color Glo. She met Gary, Scott, and Mandi. She quickly realized that this was a different kind of company. One she could be happy and achieve success with.
Jenni was working with Fed Ex at the tail end of Covid. She started her Color Glo business during that time. She has noticed that she needs to work more diligently to gain credibility in a male-dominated industry. Jenni leads with a quick smile and a friendly, professional demeanor. Her strong work ethic and commitment to quality rapidly garner confidence from her clients.
Jenni’s technical mentors in the Color Glo business are Bill and Dennis. She said she could always count on them to help her out of a situation. She said the support system that is available through Color Glo’s corporate office is also very valuable to her.
Her initial training was overwhelming. She always felt supported, every question is worth asking and you may need to hear the answer in different ways to understand, but Bill seems to understand that. Jenni says she learned so much from him.
Jenni is still growing her business. She is sharp with a social media presence that targets her community. She is cautious not to overpost and maintains communication with those who comment on her posts. Jenni has also spent many hours cold prospecting, asking for referrals, and establishing brand awareness. She runs value-added specials and uses coupons or codes to track them. On one cold call expedition, she gained a contract from an ambulance company. Really the possibilities are endless with this skill set.
Jenni has a strong commitment to keeping her reputation for excellence. She doesn’t feel pressure to add employees at this time. She really doesn’t have that in her vision.
Randy TonLoy - Leather Repair Arizona
In 2007 amid an economic recession, Randy had a life-altering accident on the job. He was delivering water for a company. While reaching for a case of water, the whole shelf unit fell on him. His back and neck were injured, it was an injury with lasting effects. The company would not compensate him, and he could no longer do that work. While he was weighing his options Color Glo was suggested by Anthony Badillo, a cousin who had a Color Glo franchise in Tucson. Randy was invited to ride along.
Suck it up, Buttercup
Soon he showed a talent for achieving quality restorations. He went all in, cashing out a 401k and getting a home equity loan. He purchased his Color Glo franchise and needed to hit the ground running. Randy trained in Minnesota for a week, it was an abbreviated course as his son was born a week before. He went home to his wife and 3 young sons and got straight to work.
Today, Randy’s business is growing. With Erika, his wife, and their three boys, Peter, Jacob, and David, they are expanding into more markets. The idea of specializing in reconditioning and reupholstering classic cars is a large part of the growth strategy. Erika does the bookkeeping and steps in to help out if things are really busy.
The TonLoy’s story is one of resilience, love and adaptability. Randy’s favorite quote is “Suck it up Buttercup” said with a smile and a chuckle.
About Color Glo International
Color Glo International is the World Leader in the restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine, and Furniture. Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today in hundreds of markets throughout the world. Color Glo products are proven every day to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.
We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since then expanded into Canada and 50 countries worldwide. Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects such as worn and faded interior components such as leather upholstery, headliners, burns, and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane, or boat in use today. See the MATERIALS WE SERVICE.
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Adaptation and Innovation: Keys to Our Success
At Color Glo International, innovation drives our success. We adapt to change by staying at the forefront of trends to meet market demands
Section 8: Unlocking Success with a Color Glo International Franchise: Your Comprehensive Guide
Complacency in the business world can often lead to stagnation, overshadowing potential growth opportunities. With markets continually evolving and consumer preferences shifting, standing still is not an option for success-driven entrepreneurs.
Change is inevitable.
Innovation and adaptation serve as the cornerstone for thriving businesses. They equip enterprises with the agility needed to navigate an ever-changing landscape, propelling them toward sustained success.
Proprietary Product Advantage
At Color Glo International, innovation is woven into the fabric of our business model. Our proprietary product line underscores this commitment, providing a distinct competitive advantage to our franchisees.
Crafted exclusively for those within our network, these products are inaccessible to competitors, offering our franchisees a unique selling point. This exclusivity equips them with specialized solutions to meet evolving market demands.
By meticulously monitoring manufacturing trends and material innovations, we ensure that our product offerings remain at the cutting edge. We consistently provide our franchisees with superior tools to excel in their craft.
This dedication to continual refinement results in adhesives that bond seamlessly, colorants that adhere effectively, and restoration products that are both eco-friendly and efficient, setting our franchisees apart.
This commitment keeps Color Glo franchisees aligned with the future, fostering a collective capability to meet any challenge.
Monitoring Manufacturing Trends
Keeping a pulse on industry innovations.
At Color Glo International, this mindful vigilance is paramount. The constant evolution of materials and methodologies transforms landscapes, and it's our mission to stay ahead. Through vigilant analysis and proactive engagement with changes in OEM materials, consumer preferences, and supplier innovations, we ensure our franchisees wield the most advanced tools available.
Our mission: provide products that evolve with restoration trends.
These insights allow us to supply products that not only meet current standards but anticipate future needs. With the adept ability to adapt our proprietary line, our franchisees never lag but lead with confidence.
Our strategic foresight ensures Color Glo products resonate with environmentally conscious values, minimizing ecological impact without compromising effectiveness. This responsiveness reinforces our pledge to sustainability while empowering franchisees with innovative solutions to address dynamic market demands.
Importance of Innovation in Restoration
Innovation in restoration is not just about keeping pace with change; it’s about driving transformation forward with a pioneering spirit and unlimited potential.
Color Glo International's quest for innovation consistently sets us apart from competitors.
Utilizing proprietary products that capitalize on new technological advancements, ensures our franchisees lead in quality restoration solutions.
Our foresight in tracking material trends enables us to refine product capabilities, ensuring seamless adaptability.
This ensures franchisees offer restoration services synonymous with both superior quality and eco-conscious ingenuity, surpassing client expectations.
Together, we turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s triumphs, championing innovation alongside unbeatable franchisee support.
Understanding New Material Developments
In a rapidly evolving world, material innovation remains at the heart of our industry-leading transformation. By continually analyzing emerging technologies and evolving consumer preferences, we ensure that our proprietary products are always ahead of the curve.
We stay attuned to trends that influence our industry.
This approach stems from observing new materials such as those with advanced coatings and chemical treatments. These contribute to a fusion of aesthetics, durability, and efficiency in our franchisees' offerings. By embracing this knowledge, our franchisees are empowered to deliver exceptional, lasting results.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
Our environmentally conscious approach extends to the packaging of our restoration products. Adopting efficient packaging methods significantly reduces waste.
Moreover, we minimize environmental impact by producing only as much as we sell. This key strategy ensures maximum resource efficiency, decreasing the overstock down to negligible levels.
Our commitment to comprehending these material innovations transcends the obvious benefits of quality improvements. This dedication is integral to limiting environmental impact while maintaining product excellence. We focus on sustainability to provide advanced, low-odor, non-toxic solutions that set new standards for environmental responsibility. By understanding material developments, we deliver not only restoration but a future-ready, eco-conscious vision for our valued clients.
Our environmentally conscious approach extends to the packaging of our restoration products. Adopting efficient packaging methods significantly reduces waste.
Moreover, we minimize environmental impact by producing only as much as we sell. This key strategy ensures maximum resource efficiency, decreasing the overstock down to negligible levels.
Direct Access for Franchisee Convenience
Streamlined operations have fortuitous effects on efficiency.
Color Glo International’s supply chain is nothing short of masterful. Our franchisees reap the benefits of products directly shipped from our warehouse to their doors, strategically eliminating unnecessary delays and freeing up valuable storage space. Essentially, access to our proprietary products becomes as seamless as it is swift, transforming the operational landscape, by means of a franchisee intranet where products and communication remain non-public and exclusive.
Franchisees rejoice in the simplicity of product accessibility.
Having direct access means peace of mind - not only does this alleviate concerns about maintaining excessive stockpiles of inventory that could take months - if not years - to deplete, but it simultaneously encourages proactive, real-time workflow.
This innovation in logistics underscores Color Glo’s commitment to franchisee success, embodying a future-focused recognition of modern business necessities. Direct access is more than convenience; it’s an empowering model, strategically designed to enhance franchisee productivity, boost client satisfaction, and fuel business growth exponentially in a competitive market.
Leveraging Franchisee Feedback
At Color Glo International, we recognize the profound value of feedback from our franchisees and how it enhances our offerings.
The insights garnered from our franchise community act as a pivotal compass, guiding our innovation strategies. By integrating this feedback, we refine our products, ensuring they're not just relevant but exceptional against ever-present market dynamics. This collaboration yields tools that empower franchisees to succeed beyond conventional expectations.
Moreover, franchisee feedback serves as a continuous pulse check on operational efficiency. By addressing real-time challenges, we foster an environment where adaptive, responsive solutions are prioritized for a dynamic marketplace.
Thus, by embracing proactive franchisee communication, we've crafted a framework of continuous improvement. Our franchisees are equipped with industry-leading tools that not only address current trends but also anticipate future customer needs. These empowering collaborations enhance the resilience and competitiveness of our collective enterprise, reinforcing the enduring success of the Color Glo International brand.
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Overcoming Challenges in Franchise Operations
Facing strong challenges in franchise growth requires careful resource management and ongoing training to maintain the brand's high standards and consistency.
Section 7: Unlocking Success with a Color Glo International Franchise: Your Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the Top Challenges in Franchise Operations
Many business owners face challenges in the first 1-5 years of operations. During this time, you will experience growth, plateau, and further growth. You will identify areas of strength and determine which tasks should be strategically delegated.
Family Support From Color Glo International
Color Glo International is more than a business; it is a family. By joining this franchise, you become part of an established brand with a robust online presence, a comprehensive website, and a focus on brand consistency. This strong digital footprint ensures that your franchise is easily discoverable by potential clients, enhancing your market reach and credibility.Our Products
You will have access to custom-formulated products that are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. These proprietary ISO Certified products set you apart from competitors and ensure that you can deliver exceptional results to your clients. The unique formulations are a testament to Color Glo International's commitment to innovation and excellence.
CGI Training
Training at Color Glo International extends far beyond your initial certification. The franchising business model offers continuous education opportunities through workshops, webinars, and hands-on training sessions. This ongoing training ensures that you stay updated with the latest techniques, industry trends, compliance, and best practices. It empowers you to tackle even the most challenging repair and restoration projects with confidence and skill.
Support is available in all areas of your professional life. Whether you need assistance with marketing strategies, operational challenges, or technical issues, the dedicated support team is always ready to help. This comprehensive support system is designed to ensure your success and growth within the franchise.
Color Glo also works with a dedicated digital marketing company to launch franchisee websites, help with email accounts, and answer questions about Local SEO.
Community at Color Glo
Moreover, the sense of community within Color Glo International is unparalleled. You will meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for excellence and customer satisfaction. These connections often evolve into lifelong friendships, providing a network of support and camaraderie that enriches both your professional and personal life.
The Color Glo International Brand
As a leather, vinyl, and plastic repair and restoration franchise, Color Glo International maintains a high level of brand consistency. This consistency is achieved through strong lines of communication. Franchisees undergo an extensive training program supplemented with online training videos and seminars to ensure compliance with brand standards. A streaming text line of communication is always open to franchisees, allowing them to share experiences and solve difficult repairs collaboratively. The corporate offices continually reach out to franchisees, offering support and gathering feedback.
Color Glo International also publishes an entertaining and informative monthly newsletter containing announcements, marketing and business ideas, a section from our chemist, and celebrations. This culture of support and availability ensures brand consistency, enabling Color Glo International to provide superior and reliable service and craftsmanship from beginning to end.
A proprietary product line for leather, vinyl, and plastic repair and restoration services is a cornerstone of this franchise. Color Glo International maintains a warehouse and shipping facility, manufacturing and filling most of its products in-house.
Best Practices
Best practices suggest taking a running inventory each week and keeping a schedule for ordering products to ensure sufficient stock. Some products are sensitive to freezing; Color Glo International will advise you of this cutoff before it happens and offer a discount to stock up at that time, ensuring brand consistency.
Seasonal fluctuations are a reality for any business. One way to keep your income steady is to diversify. Regular communication via email enables you to use value-added offers for early bird scheduling of seasonal vehicles such as RVs, boats, and summer cars. Another tool is warranty work.
Color Glo International partners with warranty companies, providing a steady stream of warranty work that can easily become repeat business. Establishing a client base through marketing and referrals requires some effort initially. Letting clients know that you are not limited in your ability to repair and restore leather, vinyl, and plastic will help build a loyal customer base.
Conclusion
In summary, joining Color Glo International means becoming part of a franchising family that values quality, innovation, and community. With access to exclusive products, continuous training, and unwavering support, you are well-equipped to build a successful and fulfilling franchise.
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Mastering Franchisee Best Practices for Operations Success
Mastering franchisee best practices is crucial for success in the leather and vinyl repair industry. Ensure client satisfaction and efficient operations.
Section 5: Unlocking Success with a Color Glo International Franchise: Your Comprehensive Guide
Day-to-day operations form the bedrock of any business, regardless of its scale. At Color Glo International, we understand the significance of establishing systems that facilitate a seamless workflow for our franchisees, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by their daily tasks. We prioritize the well-being of our Color Glo Family and actively promote a sustainable work-life balance. To support our franchisees, our corporate office has implemented robust systems and assembled a dedicated team to assist in various areas of operation. With our comprehensive support network, franchisees can focus on delivering exceptional service while enjoying the benefits of a well-structured and supportive business environment in our franchise system.
For a deeper dive, check out this external resource “Day-to-Day Maintenance of an Organization”.
Keeping a Client Booking System
One of the key aspects of providing excellent service in the leather and vinyl repair and restoration industry is keeping a client booking system. When customers reach out to you for help with their immediate needs, it is crucial to respond promptly and assure them that you have the expertise to solve their problems.
Assure the Client
Emphasize that you have undergone extensive training in leather and vinyl repair and restoration. Let them know that as a Color Glo Franchisee, you have access to a proprietary line of products specifically designed for Color Glo Franchisees. This will instill confidence in the client and assure them that you have the necessary skills and resources to meet their needs.
Schedule Appointments
In addition to assuring the client, it is important to schedule an appointment that is convenient for them. Show your commitment to their satisfaction by being flexible with your availability. When scheduling the appointment, provide them with an estimate that is as accurate as possible. This will help manage their expectations and ensure transparency in the process.
By keeping a client booking system, assuring the client of your expertise, and providing convenient appointments with accurate estimates, you can demonstrate your commitment to delivering exceptional service in the leather and vinyl repair and restoration industry. create a workflow that will not overwhelm them. We value our Color Glo Family and encourage sustainable work /life balance. Our corporate office has systems and staff in place to assist in many areas.
Keeping an Accurate Inventory
In order to provide stellar craftsmanship and exceptional customer service, it is crucial to keep an adequate inventory of the custom line of products created by Color Glo International. These state-of-the-art products are designed with ease of use, safety, and durability as the key principles, ensuring that you have the necessary tools to deliver high-quality results.
Color Glo International's chemist stays current with changes in manufacturing, including new materials, coatings, and colorants used for a variety of products. This commitment to staying up-to-date with industry advancements ensures that the custom line of products remains at the forefront of innovation.
To maintain a well-stocked inventory, it is important to conduct a daily count of both your in-stock items and your tool kit items. This practice will help you stay organized and ensure that you have all the necessary supplies readily available to provide top-notch craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.
By keeping adequate inventory and staying updated with the latest manufacturing changes, you can confidently offer your clients an impressive line of products from Color Glo International and deliver outstanding results in your leather and vinyl repair and restoration services.
Bookkeeping: The Importance of Daily Sales Recording
Setting aside a few minutes at the end of each day to record your daily sales figures is a valuable investment of your time. Regardless of whether you choose to use a spreadsheet or another method for tracking your sales, the effort you put into staying current and organized will yield significant benefits, saving you time, reducing stress, and even helping you save money.
By diligently recording your daily sales figures, you gain a clear and accurate picture of your business's financial performance. This information serves as a valuable tool for making informed decisions and planning for the future. It allows you to identify trends, track sales growth, and pinpoint areas where adjustments may be needed.
Moreover, maintaining up-to-date and organized records can save you time and stress when it comes to tax season or financial audits. Having all your sales figures readily available and properly documented simplifies the process of preparing financial statements and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Additionally, consistent and accurate record-keeping can help you identify any discrepancies or errors in your sales transactions. By catching and rectifying these issues early on, you can prevent potential financial losses and maintain the integrity of your financial records.
In summary, dedicating a few minutes each day to record your daily sales figures is a worthwhile practice that brings numerous benefits. It allows you to stay informed about your business's financial performance, simplifies tax and audit processes, and helps you identify and address any discrepancies or errors promptly. By prioritizing bookkeeping and staying organized, you can effectively manage your finances and set your business up for long-term success.
As Your Client Base Grows: Expanding Your Color Glo International Franchise with Technicians
As your Color Glo International Franchise continues to thrive and your client base expands, there may come a point where it becomes necessary to hire technicians as employees. This growth is a testament to your hard work and the solid reputation you have built in the industry. To ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standards you have established, it is important to have an organized workflow and delegate tasks effectively.
One of the first steps in expanding your business model is to send your new employee for training with a Color Glo International trainer. This training will provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to uphold the brand standards and deliver exceptional service to your clients. By investing in their professional development, you are setting them up for success and aligning them with the values and practices of Color Glo International.
Consider keeping your new employee in an apprentice role for a period of time. This allows them to gain hands-on experience and further solidify their understanding of your system and the importance of upholding brand standards. It also provides an opportunity to foster a family-oriented teamwork environment, which is at the core of Color Glo International's franchise system values. Encourage collaboration, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere to create a cohesive and motivated team.
By expanding your Color Glo International Franchise with technicians and providing them with the necessary training and support, you can continue to meet the growing demands of your client base while upholding the high standards and values that have made your franchise expansion successful.
Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Color Glo International's Support and Resources
As a leather restoration franchisee, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest manufacturing changes and industry trends. At Color Glo International, we provide our franchisees with a range of tools and resources to ensure they are always up-to-date and equipped with the knowledge they need to thrive.
One valuable resource we offer is access to trade publications in the auto, marine, aviation, and furniture industries. These publications serve as a wealth of information, keeping franchisees informed about industry developments, new techniques, and emerging trends. Having these publications readily available allows franchisees to stay ahead of the curve and adapt their practices accordingly.
In addition to trade publications, Color Glo International maintains a text-based conversation platform that operates continuously. This platform serves as a space for franchisees to ask questions, share insights, and receive timely answers and feedback. This real-time communication channel fosters a sense of community and collaboration among franchisees, enabling them to learn from one another and stay connected.
To further support our franchisees, we publish a monthly newsletter called CGEYE. This newsletter covers a wide range of topics, including marketing strategies, leveraging social media platforms, and showcasing the work of our franchisees both domestically and internationally. It also features a lab report from our chemist, providing valuable insights into the latest product developments and innovations. Additionally, the newsletter highlights upcoming events, seminars, and specific trainings that franchisees can attend to expand their knowledge and skills.
By providing access to trade publications, maintaining a text-based conversation platform, and publishing a monthly newsletter, Color Glo International ensures that our franchisees have the resources and support they need to stay on top of industry trends. Through seminars, training, and product showcases, we empower our franchisees to continuously enhance their expertise and deliver exceptional service to their clients as well as take their franchise marketing to the next level.
Contact Color Glo International About Franchise Opportunities
If you are interested in exploring franchise opportunities in the leather restoration industry, we encourage you to reach out to Color Glo International. With our proven track record, extensive support network, and commitment to excellence, we provide a solid foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive. By contacting Color Glo International, you can gain valuable insights into the franchise process, learn about the benefits of joining our Color Glo Family, and take the first step toward a rewarding and successful business venture. Don't hesitate to reach out and discover the exciting franchise opportunities that await you with Color Glo International.